1997 Dime Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & “P” Mint Mark Worth)

Understanding 1997 dime value starts with recognizing that most of these coins found in pocket change are worth exactly what they say—ten cents. If your 1997 dime has been circulating and shows signs of wear, it holds face value of $0.10.

However, the story changes for coins in exceptional condition or special varieties. Uncirculated examples in MS 65 grade typically sell for around $1.50, while proof versions range from $4.10 for standard proofs to $9.50 for silver proofs in PR 65 condition.

Before you dismiss that 1997 dime in your collection, it’s worth understanding what factors can transform an ordinary ten-cent piece into something collectors actually seek. Nearly 2 billion were minted that year, making them common coins—but a few special characteristics, from mint marks to striking quality, can significantly increase their worth.

 

1997 Dime Value By Variety

“The 1997 dime was issued in both regular circulation strikes from the Philadelphia and Denver mints, as well as special proof versions from San Francisco, with values varying significantly based on mint mark, strike type, and condition.”

If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

 Also Read: Roosevelt Dime Value (1946-Present)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1997 Dime Worth Money

The auction records from 2005 to present demonstrate that 1997 Roosevelt dimes achieve substantial premiums when grade rarity intersects with superior strike characteristics.

The 1997-D MS68 Full Bands commands $2,160, with population data showing only 2 certified specimens at this level and zero graded higher. This extreme scarcity drives the valuation despite the Denver Mint producing nearly 980 million pieces that year.

The pricing structure reveals three distinct value determinants. First, numerical grade progression shows exponential increases—standard 1997-P examples advance from $345 at MS64 to $1,265 at MS60, reflecting the difficulty of locating well-preserved specimens from coins intended for circulation.

Second, Full Bands designation—where complete horizontal lines appear across the torch bands—transforms value equations, as 1997-D dimes with this feature are very hard to find in most grades.

Third, mint mark variations create pricing disparities, with Denver issues generally commanding higher premiums than Philadelphia counterparts at equivalent grades.

The chart illustrates condition rarity principles in modern numismatics. Despite nearly 2 billion total production, coins showing complete horizontal lines on the bands across the torch on the reverse are valued by enthusiasts and command substantial premiums over similarly graded non-Full Bands specimens. Strike quality variations during high-volume production created the technical scarcity that drives premium-tier pricing.

Proof specimens, while produced in smaller quantities, show more modest values ($276-$374) because controlled striking processes yielded consistent quality, limiting absolute rarity at top grades.

These valuations establish market benchmarks for 1997 Roosevelt dimes, guiding collectors in acquisition decisions and authentication priorities. The data confirms that late-date Roosevelt dimes, while common in aggregate, present genuine collecting challenges when pursuing specimens combining exceptional preservation with sharp striking characteristics.

 

History of the 1997 Dime

The 1997 dime continued the Roosevelt dime series that was first struck in 1946, designed by Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock shortly after President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s death in 1945. Roosevelt had been stricken with polio and was one of the moving forces of the March of Dimes, making the ten-cent coin a fitting tribute that could be changed by the Mint without congressional action.

The Roosevelt dime went into circulation in January 1946 and has been struck continuously since its introduction.

By 1997, the dime had undergone its most significant transformation decades earlier. The Mint transitioned from striking the coin in silver to base metal in 1965, and the design remained essentially unaltered from when Sinnock created it. Starting from 1965, the composition changed to a clad coinage, with a pure copper core and outer layers of copper-nickel.

The 1997 dime therefore represented over fifty years of continuous production in this modern clad format, maintaining the original design’s symbolic elements while serving the practical needs of American commerce.

The Roosevelt dime series is generally regarded as containing many common coins, though certain challenging varieties exist for collectors who focus their attention on this long-running series.

The 1997 dime fit into this pattern as a widely circulated modern issue, produced in large quantities at both the Philadelphia and Denver mints for commerce, while San Francisco continued its tradition of striking proof versions for collectors—a practice that connected the 1997 dime to the broader legacy of American commemorative coinage honoring one of the nation’s most influential presidents.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Roosevelt Dimes Worth Money List

 

Is your 1997 Dime rare?

Track the rarity rankings of your 1997 dimes and discover where they stand among Roosevelt dimes—download the CoinValueChecker App to instantly check rarity scores, compare values across all mint marks and conditions, and build your collection with confidence.

 

Key Features of the 1997 Dime

The 1997 Dime is part of the Roosevelt dime series designed by John R. Sinnock. The 1997 dimes include regular circulation strikes from Philadelphia (P mint mark) and Denver (D mint mark), as well as proof coins from San Francisco (S mint mark) intended for collectors.

The Obverse of the 1997 Dime

The obverse features President Franklin Roosevelt facing left, with inscriptions reading “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date, along with the designer’s initials “JS”.

The mint mark appears on coins from Denver (D) and proof versions from San Francisco (S), while Philadelphia coins bear a P mint mark.

The Reverse of the 1997 Dime

The reverse displays a central Liberty Torch flanked by an olive branch on the left and an oak branch on the right.

The inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “ONE DIME”.

Other Features of the 1997 Dime

The coin has a copper-nickel clad composition consisting of 75% copper and 25% nickel over a pure copper center, measures 17.90 millimeters in diameter, weighs 2.27 grams, and features a reeded edge.

Also Read: Top 100 Rarest Dimes Worth Money (Most Expensive)

 

1997 Dime Mintage & Survival Data

The 1997 Roosevelt dime production reached nearly 2 billion coins across three U.S. Mint facilities. Philadelphia and Denver produced 991,640,000 and 979,810,000 circulation strikes respectively, while San Francisco focused on collector products with 2,055,000 standard proofs and 741,678 silver proofs.

The survival data reveals a dramatic contrast driven by coin purpose. Proof coins were specifically produced to be saved, so although some were mishandled, the majority of the original mintage still exists.

Both proof varieties maintain approximately 95% survival rates—1,952,250 standard proofs and 704,594 silver proofs remain today. After being struck, proof coins are separately and individually handled, in contrast to normal coins which are collected in bins, explaining their exceptional preservation.

Circulation issue coins are normally produced in relatively large numbers and are primarily meant to be used as pocket change, not collected. The Philadelphia and Denver strikes have unknown survival rates because business strikes are often hard to find in high Mint State grades due to their method of striking and tendency to end up as pocket change.

Very few coins made for circulation are ever seen without at least a few significant contact marks on the surface, as they encounter jostling in bags while en route to the bank. For most coins, it is very difficult to determine how many coins really exist, making survival rates more important than mintages in determining collector value.

Also Read: Top 70+ Most Valuable Mercury Dimes Worth Money (Chart By Year)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1997 Dime Value

To determine the worth of your coin, you’re going to need to do a bit of research, but the process is simpler than you might think. Proceeding through a step by step method identifies the important factors required to determine how much a box of old coins is worth.

Start by examining the obverse of your 1997 dime just above the date near Roosevelt’s neck—this is where you’ll find the mint mark that identifies where the coin was produced. Philadelphia coins display a “P,” Denver pieces show a “D,” and San Francisco proofs bear an “S” mint mark.

Next comes condition assessment, which is a crucial factor in determining market value, as coins in better condition with minimal wear and original luster are generally valued higher.

The Sheldon coin grading scale is used to determine a coin’s value based on factors such as how well the coin was made, how much wear it’s developed, and the luster, with a coin assigned a number between 1 and 70. For Roosevelt dimes, pay special attention to the torch on the reverse—coins with Full Bands, where both horizontal band pairs show complete separation, command significant premiums over regular strikes at identical grade levels.

You should also look for mint marks or where the coin was originally minted, and check for mint errors such as missing letters or numbers, or double stamps, which are extremely rare and make coins extremely valuable. No single one of these factors will determine a coin’s value, but all working together make up the formula that experienced collectors and dealers use when setting the market.

Rather than spending hours mastering complex grading standards and researching auction records, the CoinValueChecker App simplifies this entire process—just snap a photo of your 1997 dime, and the app instantly analyzes its mint mark, condition grade, Full Bands designation, potential errors, and current market value, giving you professional-quality insights in seconds.

 

1997 Dime Value Guides

• 1997-P Dime (Philadelphia)
• 1997-D Dime (Denver)
• 1997-S Proof DCAM Dime (San Francisco)
• 1997-S Silver Proof DCAM Dime

The standard 1997 Roosevelt dimes are made of a clad composition that contains copper and nickel, while clad proof dimes and silver proof dimes were also minted and sell for more money.

Each variety serves different purposes—Philadelphia and Denver coins were intended for everyday circulation, while San Francisco’s proof specimens were specifically created for collectors with superior striking quality and mirror-like surfaces.

Understanding these four categories is essential for accurately assessing your 1997 dime’s potential value.

 

1997-P Dime Value 

Struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a mintage approaching 1 billion coins, the 1997 P Dime demonstrates how condition and technical quality separate common circulation pieces from genuine collectibles in modern coinage.

The value structure for this coin is clearly defined by grade. Circulated examples hold only their face value of 10 cents, while uncirculated specimens in MS65 condition trade around $1.50. Moving up the grading scale, MS67 examples reach approximately $15.

However, the determining factor for premium values lies in the “Full Bands” feature—complete, unbroken horizontal lines visible across the bands of the torch on the reverse. Full Bands Roosevelt dimes are highly valued by collectors and command substantial premiums over similarly graded specimens without this designation.

The scarcity profile reveals a distinct collecting challenge. The 1997-P was generally well-struck, with examples up to MS66 being easily obtainable, but coins grading MS67 or higher are much more difficult to locate and should be recognized as very scarce in these grades.

While several MS68 examples have been certified, they are very difficult to find, and collectors typically have better success purchasing already-graded specimens than searching through original rolls or bags. For Full Bands versions, MS67 is already scarce, and anything grading higher is very difficult to find and usually commands strong premiums.

This grade-based rarity structure creates an accessible entry point for beginning collectors while presenting genuine challenges for advanced numismatists pursuing top-tier specimens. The difference between commonly available mid-grade pieces and truly exceptional examples makes the 1997 P Dime representative of modern coin collecting, where technical quality and preservation separate ordinary from extraordinary.

To see how these different grades and designations have performed at auction, check out the Auction Record Chart below.

The Market Activity section also shows current collector engagement with premium-quality modern coins.

 

1997-D Dime Value 

The Denver Mint produced 979,810,000 dimes in 1997, making circulated examples readily available. Standard circulated pieces remain at face value, while MS65 uncirculated specimens trade around $1.50. Value increases significantly with grade progression, but the real premium driver is the Full Bands designation showing complete separation on the torch bands.

The 1997-D can easily be found up to MS67 condition in regular strikes, however, with Full Bands details on the reverse torch design, examples are very hard to find in most grades.

This scarcity pattern extends across the grading spectrum—not just at premium levels. MS67 Full Bands examples are very scarce, and in MS68 or higher with Full Bands, specimens are considered very scarce to rare.

Population reports show only 2 MS68 Full Bands specimens certified, establishing MS68FB as a genuine condition rarity. An MS68 Full Bands example achieved $2,160 at auction in October 2020, demonstrating the premium collectors place on exceptional strike quality.

This price reflects the convergence of top-tier grade and the elusive Full Bands designation—a combination that proves consistently difficult for Denver Mint 1997 production.

The collecting opportunity here differs from typical modern dimes. While millions exist in standard grades, securing properly struck specimens with Full Bands remains challenging even in mid-range MS65-MS66 grades. This creates a practical entry point for beginners collecting standard strikes, while advanced collectors face legitimate difficulty upgrading to Full Bands examples.

The Auction Record Chart below tracks realized prices across different grades and Full Bands designations.

Market Activity data shows ongoing collector demand for well-struck Denver Mint specimens.

 

1997-S Proof DCAM Dime Value 

The San Francisco Mint struck 2,055,000 clad proof dimes in 1997, produced exclusively for annual proof sets sold to collectors. These coins feature copper-nickel clad composition and mirror-like fields with frosted design elements—the Deep Cameo contrast standard for modern proof production.

Standard 1997-S proof dimes typically sell for $3 to $5. The value structure separates at the PR70 Deep Cameo grade, which requires absolutely flawless surfaces under 5x magnification.

PR69 Deep Cameo examples are common and affordable, while PR70 Deep Cameo specimens are much harder to find, though sufficient searching through original proof sets can still yield perfect examples.

The highest recorded price for a 1997-S clad proof dime was $719 for a PR70 Deep Cameo specimen sold in 2003. This represents a significant premium over PR69 DCAM examples, driven entirely by the perfect grade designation. The 2003 price reflects market conditions during a period when perfect modern proofs commanded stronger premiums than current levels.

The 1997-S proofs were packaged in protective holders within annual proof sets, providing careful handling from production through distribution. This packaging helps explain why high grades are attainable compared to circulation strikes, though the PR70 threshold remains selective.

The combination of large production numbers and protective packaging creates widespread availability in PR69 DCAM, with PR70 DCAM representing the collecting challenge.

The Auction Record Chart tracks pricing across PR69 and PR70 Deep Cameo grades over time.

Market Activity reflects current collector interest in high-grade modern proof Roosevelt dimes.

 

1997-S Silver Proof DCAM Dime Value 

The 1997-S silver proof dime was struck with a mintage of 741,678—approximately one-third the production of its clad counterpart. These proofs were sold separately in Silver Proof Sets, targeting collectors seeking 90% silver content alongside superior striking quality.

The coin carries inherent precious metal value, with melt price around $1 depending on current silver spot prices. Standard examples typically trade for $8 to $10, representing a modest premium above silver content. The lower mintage and silver composition distinguish these from standard clad proofs, though neither version qualifies as rare.

Grade distribution follows typical modern proof patterns. PR69 Deep Cameo specimens are readily available from original Silver Proof Sets preserved in protective packaging. Population data shows over 120 PR70 Deep Cameo examples certified by major services, indicating sufficient perfect specimens exist to meet collector demand.

Market positioning reflects dual value components: silver content establishes a floor price, while numismatic premiums apply at higher grades. The silver composition enhances visual appeal through superior contrast between frosted devices and mirror fields compared to clad versions. This aesthetic advantage, combined with reduced mintage, creates sustained collector interest beyond base metal value.

The PR70 Deep Cameo grade captures the premium tier, though pricing remains accessible compared to earlier silver proof issues. The combination of modern production standards and protective original packaging enables high-grade survival rates that moderate top-tier premiums.

The Auction Record Chart below details pricing for PR69 and PR70 Deep Cameo grades.

Market Activity trends reveal ongoing demand for silver composition proofs.

Also Read: 16 Rare Dime Errors List with Pictures (By Year)

 

Rare 1997 Dime Error List

While nearly 2 billion 1997 Roosevelt dimes entered circulation, a small percentage escaped the mint with production errors that significantly increase their collectible value. These mint errors occur during the minting process—from planchet preparation through the final strike—and range from minor imperfections to dramatic striking anomalies.

Error coins differ fundamentally from damaged coins: mint errors are defined as coins made incorrectly at the mint and encompass anything that happens up until the final strike of the dies. Below are the documented 1997 Roosevelt dime errors found in circulation and certified collections.

1. 1997 Off-Center Strike Error

Off-center strike errors occur when a planchet is not properly positioned between the dies during the striking process, resulting in a coin with part of its design missing. The error happens when planchets fail to seat correctly in the collar die—as the hammer die descends, the planchet shifts position, causing the design to strike only a portion of the blank.

The percentage of off-centering determines value—a 50% off-center dime means approximately half the design is missing from the planchet surface. Values depend on the degree of the off-center strike but can reach $10-$20 per coin.

The most valuable specimens retain the date visible despite significant displacement, with extreme examples commanding premiums when both the date and mint mark remain clear.

2. 1997 Broadstruck Error

Roosevelt dimes that exhibit a broadstrike error will always have a smooth rim. This error is caused when the collar die fails during striking.

The die collar normally holds the coin in place and prevents it from spreading out when the die hits the planchet. However, sometimes the die collar becomes loose, leading to the broadstrike error. The images struck onto the obverse and reverse will often “expand” or stretch out to create a slightly misshapen coin. The resulting dime displays proper design elements but with an expanded diameter and no reeded edge.

Values for this dime error lay in the $5-$10 range, though particularly dramatic examples with significant expansion command higher premiums.

3. 1997 Curved Clip Error

Sometimes, the punches strike an area of the strip which overlaps the hole left by the previous strike producing a curved clip. The coins need to be cut properly to become a perfect circle as its shape. In one metal sheet, multiple coins are being cut. The problem happens when there’s a misfeed in the machine.

The next cut of the coin hits the previous cut of the coin, leading to a portion of the cut metal sheet being included in the next cut. Clipped planchet dimes will exhibit a missing section (often elliptical shaped).

On such curved-clip coins, often the rim opposite the clip shows a distinctive distortion and loss of detail called Blakesley Effect. Clipped planchet dimes in mint state condition can fetch $30 on a good day, with larger clips commanding higher values.

 

Where to Sell Your 1997 Dime ?

Whether you choose online marketplaces, local coin dealers, or auction houses, the key to getting the best price for your 1997 dime is to have it properly appraised, know its condition, and be patient in finding the right buyer who appreciates its value.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

1997 Dime Market Trend

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

 

FAQ About the 1997 Dime

1. Is my 1997 dime made of silver?

Standard 1997 dimes from Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) mints are made of 75% copper and 25% nickel, not silver. Only the 1997-S silver proof dimes contain 90% silver with 0.0723 troy ounces of pure silver.

2. What errors exist on 1997 dimes?

Common errors include off-center strikes, clipped planchets, and broadstrikes. However, overmintmark errors are impossible on 1997 dimes because the U.S. Mint stopped hand-punching mintmarks in 1991.

3. How can I identify a valuable 1997 dime?

Look for proof coins (S mintmark), error coins, or high-grade uncirculated examples. The coin’s value depends on color, luster, preservation level, and strike quality.